Punjab Vigilance Bureau Conducts Raid on Ex-Advisor’s Residence in Disproportionate Assets Case

Punjab Vigilance Bureau Conducted Raids

In a significant development, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau initiated a raid on the residence of Bharat Inder Singh Chahal, the former advisor to ex-chief minister Amarinder Singh, in connection with a disproportionate assets case. This operation was conducted to apprehend Mr. Chahal, who was booked under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act back in August.

Discrepancies in Income and Expenditure Uncovered

During the course of the investigation, the Vigilance Bureau unearthed substantial disparities in the financial records of Mr. Chahal and his family members. It was revealed that their combined income from March 2017 to September 2021 amounted to Rs 7.85 crore. In stark contrast, their expenditures during the same period totaled a staggering Rs 31.71 crore. This staggering gap, which exceeded 300% of their known income sources, raised red flags.

Properties Registered in Multiple Names

Further scrutiny of Mr. Chahal’s financial activities unveiled that he had acquired properties both in his name and those of his family members. Among these assets were the Dashmesh Luxury Wedding Resort (Alcazar) located on Sirhind road and a five-story commercial building situated on the Mini Secretariat road in Patiala.

Chahal’s Political Journey

Mr. Chahal had a long-standing association with former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, serving as his advisor from 2017 until September 2021. He had also previously worked as the media advisor from 2002 to 2007. However, following Mr. Singh’s abrupt removal from the chief minister’s post in 2021, he decided to part ways with the Congress party and established his own political entity, the Punjab Lok Congress (PLC). Notably, Chahal’s son entered the political arena by contesting the 2022 state Assembly elections on a PLC ticket, albeit without success.

Switching Allegiances to the BJP

In a surprising turn of events, both Mr. Chahal and Mr. Singh shifted their political allegiance last year by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This transition added another layer of intrigue to their already prominent roles in Punjab politics.